Produce Briefs...
Fingerling Russian Banana Potatoes
Although very petit in size, fingerlings are fully mature when harvested, thus they should not to be confused with new potatoes, potatoes that are harvested when immature.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Japanese eggplant is available year round.
Current Facts
Although grown and treated as a vegetable, eggplant is actually a perennial fruit, (agriculturally grown as an annual) as it bears seeds within its body; it is classified as a berry.
Description/Taste
There are dozens of Japanese eggplant varieties, both heirloom and hybrid. The most common of varieties seen at the market are most likely Millionaire and Orient Express, both long (growing up to eight inches in length), slender oblong shaped eggplants with glossy, purple-black, thin skin. The interior cream colored flesh is spongy and nearly seedless. Its flavor is mild and because it is nearly seedless it doesn't possess that bitter quality found in Western and Thai varieties.
Nutritional Value
Eggplant skin contains 'nasunin,' a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger that protects cell membranes from damage. Nasunin protects the lipids (fats) in brain cell membranes.
Applications
When a thin-skinned eggplant is desired, Japanese eggplant is the ideal variety. The eggplant's sponge-like texture qualities allow it to easily take on flavorings such as miso, soy sauce and ginger. All eggplants are amenable to a variety of cooking methods including sautéing, pan-frying, deep frying, baking, stir frying, and especially grilling. Whatever variety, choose eggplants with a firm, smooth, unblemished skin devoid of any soft spots. Use eggplants as soon as possible, they don't last long even in the fridge.
Geography/History
The eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, and is a close relative to the tomato and potato. It is native to Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The first known written record of the plant is found in Qí mín yào shù, an ancient Chinese agricultural treatise completed in 544.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Japanese eggplant is available year round.
Current Facts
Although grown and treated as a vegetable, eggplant is actually a perennial fruit, (agriculturally grown as an annual) as it bears seeds within its body; it is classified as a berry.
Description/Taste
There are dozens of Japanese eggplant varieties, both heirloom and hybrid. The most common of varieties seen at the market are most likely Millionaire and Orient Express, both long (growing up to eight inches in length), slender oblong shaped eggplants with glossy, purple-black, thin skin. The interior cream colored flesh is spongy and nearly seedless. Its flavor is mild and because it is nearly seedless it doesn't possess that bitter quality found in Western and Thai varieties.
Nutritional Value
Eggplant skin contains 'nasunin,' a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger that protects cell membranes from damage. Nasunin protects the lipids (fats) in brain cell membranes.
Applications
When a thin-skinned eggplant is desired, Japanese eggplant is the ideal variety. The eggplant's sponge-like texture qualities allow it to easily take on flavorings such as miso, soy sauce and ginger. All eggplants are amenable to a variety of cooking methods including sautéing, pan-frying, deep frying, baking, stir frying, and especially grilling. Whatever variety, choose eggplants with a firm, smooth, unblemished skin devoid of any soft spots. Use eggplants as soon as possible, they don't last long even in the fridge.
Geography/History
The eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, and is a close relative to the tomato and potato. It is native to Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The first known written record of the plant is found in Qí mín yào shù, an ancient Chinese agricultural treatise completed in 544.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Gossip Grill | San Diego CA | 619-260-8023 |
| Anthology | San Diego CA | 619-595-0300 |
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| Cirque Du Soleil Totem | Del Mar CA | 702-513-2146 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Fairbanks Ranch Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-259-8811 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Sogno Di Vino | San Diego CA | 619-531-8887 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Roy's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-455-1616 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
